By DayakDaily Team
SIBU, Dec 31: University Technology Sarawak (UTS) has appointed six expert panel members to conduct a feasibility study on launching a medical degree programme, marking a critical first step towards the university’s inaugural medical school.
The panel includes Professor Dr Lela Suut from the Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas); Professor Dr Awi Idi from Unimas’ Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Professor Dr Muhammad Zulkarnaen Ahmad Narihan from the Department of Pathology; Professor Dr Kamarudin Kana from the Department of Family Medicine; Dr John Tang Ing Ching from Rejang Medical Centre; and Dr Alan Fong from the Clinical Research Centre at Sarawak General Hospital.
The appointment ceremony was officiated by Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee at UTS on Tuesday (Dec 30).
The panel has been given six months to prepare a comprehensive study report to assess the feasibility of establishing a medical school at UTS.
The university has also appointed internal representatives to evaluate and review the findings, namely deputy vice-chancellor (Academic) Prof Ir Ts Dr Mohammad Shahril Osman, Quality Assurance Centre director Dr Sim Siew Ling, and senior lecturer Dr Zalikha Raman from the School of Engineering and Technology.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news, Dr Annuar highlighted that one of the primary considerations is the requirement for the medical school to have its own hospital, as stipulated by regulations.
“Clarification is needed on whether UTS must build a new hospital or can collaborate with an existing facility as an affiliated institution,” he said.
The first intake of medical students is expected to be limited to 50, the maximum allowed by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), but this number can be increased gradually once compliance with the conditions is confirmed.
“The planned Petra Jaya Hospital has been identified as a potential site for students’ clinical training, in addition to several government hospitals for subspecialty training in areas such as Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and ophthalmology,” he added.
Dr Annuar stressed that international recognition is a top priority for the programme to enable graduates to pursue postgraduate training and work abroad.
“UTS medical degrees must be recognised not only in Malaysia but also internationally, particularly by the United Kingdom’s General Medical Council (GMC). Failure to secure it could have long-term implications for producing medical specialists to meet Sarawak’s needs,” he explained.
In a positive development, Dr Annuar noted that four prestigious universities, namely the King’s College London, University College London, University of Dundee, and the National University of Singapore (NUS), have expressed willingness to hold discussions with UTS beginning in January, covering academic collaboration and programme sharing.
“This as a highly encouraging sign for the next phase of the feasibility study as the results of the study are expected to form a key basis for the Sarawak government’s decision on establishing UTS’s first medical school, which aims to strengthen human capital and enhance the state’s healthcare system,” he added.
Regarding the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), Dr Annuar clarified that fields such as medicine and law will only be offered under FTES once the faculties are fully established, including the provision of necessary buildings, facilities, and trained teaching staff. — DayakDaily
